Brock Widders joined the Central Arkansas Bears men's basketball program in 2017–18 and has played an integral role in its rise. Since his arrival, he has contributed across recruiting, academics, scouting, player development, and basketball operations. He currently serves as Associate Head Coach and General Manager.
Early in his tenure Widders was part of a record-breaking 2017–18 season, during which the Bears recorded the second-most conference wins in the programs Division I history and secured their first Division I postseason victory. The following season, the team made its third consecutive Southland Conference tournament appearance—another program milestone.
Widders took over as recruiting coordinator during a pivotal stretch for the program, helping secure key in-state additions such as 4-star transfer Darious Hall and standout guard Camren Hunter. Their impact helped lead the Bears to a third-place finish in the ASUN West Division and a conference tournament victory. Hunter later earned ASUN Freshman of the Year honors for the 2021–22 season, followed by ASUN Player of the year honors for the 2025-26 season.
Widely recognized as a dominant recruiter with a strong emphasis on in-state talent, Widders has led efforts to bring in notable players including Javion Guy-King (4-Star prospect), Tucker Anderson (2023–24 ASUN Freshman of the Year), Layne Taylor (2024–25 All-Freshman Team), Ty Robinson (2025–26 All-Freshman Team and All-Conference), as well as Luke Moore and Elias Cato.
During the 2022–23 season, Widders stepped in as Acting Head Coach for the final 16 games, earning notable road victories at Queens University and Florida Gulf Coast. Following that season, he was selected as one of 46 NCAA coaches to attend the 2023 NCAA Basketball Coaches Academy at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis.
In 2024, Head Coach John Shulman elevated Widders to Associate Head Coach along with turning over general manager duties to him. Just one year later, the 2025–26 Bears captured the ASUN Regular Season Championship, winning 22 games and advancing to the ASUN Tournament Finals. The team posted a 15–3 conference record, highlighted by an 11-game winning streak, and featured a roster built heavily on in-state talent, including four of five starters.
From 2021–2024, Widders also served as Associate Head Coach for Team Arkansas in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), helping guide the team to two Sweet 16 appearances.
A native of Alma, Widders began his coaching journey after a successful playing career at Lyon College. A four-year team captain, he earned recognition on the AMC Champions of Character Team (2017), AMC Academic All-Conference Team (2016–17), and as an NABC Good Works Team nominee. He ranks eighth in program history in both career assists and single-season free-throw percentage.
As a decorated Arkansas prep player, Widders played under Coach Stan Flenor andhelped Alma High School to a 5A State Championship his sophomore year and back to he 5A State Championship game his senior year. He played in the Arkansas High School Coaches; Association All-Star Game at UCA's Farris Center in the summer of 2013.
Widders earned his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in physical education from Lyon College in 2017 and completed a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Central Arkansas in 2020.
He is married to Bobie Jo Widders, a family physician at Banister-Lieblong Clinic in Conway.
